The fact that the Riffard-Renault Tank survived to make an appearance at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard at all owes a lot to fate. It has been crashed, rebodied and, at one time, ended up in a scrapyard. Despite its chequered past, it has come through it all and, early in 2018, was bought by Renault Classic to be added to its collection of historic road and race cars.
As you have no doubt gathered, the Riffard-Renault’s history is complicated. Its tubular spaceframe chassis and mechanicals came from one of two Renault engined Guepards built in the early 1950s. That car, which used the engine from a Renault 4CV, was driven by Paul Bobet in the 1954 Bol d’Or where it finished 22ndout of 26 finishers. It was a subsequent crash that led it to become the Riffard-Renault you see today.
Following the accident, Bobet decided to have the car rebodied with a view to taking on the world speed record for 750cc cars. He enlisted renowned aerodynamicist and engineer Marcel Riffard to design the body, and he took lessons from aviation – where he conducted most of his work – to create the wing-shaped form you see today. It was crafted by coachbuilder Heuliez in Cerizay. It officially became known as the Riffard-Renault in 1956.
Details of the car’s competition history are sketchy, but it’s known that it competed at Montlhery at least twice in 1956, crashing out of its last outing. It was repaired after two years and then taken on by the Agaci driving school at Montlhery, but remained unused before ending up in a scrapyard in 1968. Fortunately it was discovered and bought a year later before becoming a museum piece and eventually ran again in 1997 thanks a former mechanic at the Briare museum.
The Festival this year was the car’s first public appearance since Renault Classic bought the car for more than double its upper estimate last year.
It’s an odd looking creation, that’s for sure, but as such a unique machine, with such an interesting past, we’re very grateful it made it out of the scrapyard.
Photography by Joe Harding and Motorsport Images.
Renault
FOS
FOS 2019
2019
Book tickets
For our big events, to the small ones too
Book event hospitality
Enjoy with loved ones, colleagues or clients
Buy an experience
For yourself, a loved one, or both!
Book a table
Choose from three of our restaurants
Book your stay
Stay at our hotel, cottages or Hound Lodge
Become a member
Join the family and get exclusive rewards
Book tickets Change
Choose event
Festival of Speed is our longest-standing Motorsport event, starting in 1993 when it opened to 25,00 people. We were expecting 2000!
From elite motorsport to historic horse racing, you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
Book event hospitality Change
Choose event
Festival of Speed is our longest-standing Motorsport event, starting in 1993 when it opened to 25,00 people. We were expecting 2000!
Experience ultimate access to our exceptional events with our all inclusive hospitality packages.
Buy an experience Change
Choose experience
Henry Cavill, Hugh Grant, Armie Hammer and Guy Ritchie filmed scenes at our very own Motor Circuit
From driving and flying to golf and dining, experiences at Goodwood are simply unforgettable.
Book a table Change
Choose restaurant
Choose from three of our restaurants, all serving our award-winning organic produce.
Book your stay Change
Find availability
Henry Cavill, Hugh Grant, Armie Hammer and Guy Ritchie filmed scenes at our very own Motor Circuit
We’re already looking forward to seeing you.
Become a member Change
Choose a membership
Whatever your passion, there is a Goodwood membership to make you feel at home.
Sign in below to access your account and benefits
Don't have an account?Create your account by entering your details below...
Already have an account